SBA Pumps Up Small Biz Money Thresholds for 263 Industries
Published Date: 8/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The SBA wants to raise the money limits that define small businesses for 263 industries, helping more businesses qualify as 'small.' They’re keeping most current rules but removing one exception and asking for public feedback before finalizing. These changes could mean more opportunities and bigger contracts for small businesses soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Size Standards Raised for 263 Industries
The SBA proposes to raise monetary-based small business size limits for 263 industries (259 receipts-based and 4 assets-based). If finalized, more businesses in those industries could meet the definition of "small," which may increase their eligibility for small-business programs and set-aside contracts.
Policy: Do Not Lower Size Standards
The SBA proposes a policy of not lowering any size standards. That means current small businesses would generally not see monetary thresholds tightened to make them ineligible under the new rule.
Retention and One Exception Removal
The SBA proposes to keep receipts-based size standards for 237 industries and 12 subindustries (called "exceptions") and to remove one exception. Removing that one exception would change which size rule applies to that specific subindustry.
Excluding Dominant Firms from 'Small' Status
The SBA proposes that it would not lower size standards generally but would exclude dominant firms from qualifying as small. Firms identified as dominant would therefore be barred from small-business status even if they meet monetary thresholds.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16611, Regulatory Agenda
This Regulatory Agenda (Agenda) is a summary of current and projected rulemakings and completed actions of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This summary information is intended to enable the public to be more aware of, and effectively participate in, SBA's regulatory activities. Accordingly, SBA invites the public to submit comments on any aspect of this Agenda.
2026-16558, Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of Arizona
This is notice of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for the state of Arizona dated August 11, 2026. Incident: Pocket Fire.
2026-16554, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of Louisiana
This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Louisiana (FEMA-4927-DR), dated June 30, 2026. Incident: Tropical Storm Arthur.
2026-16509, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of West Virginia
This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of West Virginia (FEMA-4932-DR), dated August 3, 2026. Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides.
2026-16551, Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Louisiana
This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Louisiana (FEMA-4927-DR), dated June 30, 2026. Incident: Tropical Storm Arthur.
2026-16293, Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Illinois
This is notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the state of Illinois dated August 5, 2026. Incident: Severe Storms.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16139, Personal Financial Data Rights Reconsideration
The CFPB wants your thoughts on how to make it easier and safer for people to get their personal financial data. They’re looking at who can ask for your info, how much it should cost, and how to keep your data safe and private. This could change how companies handle your info and might affect fees and security rules soon.
Next: 2025-16158, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Starting soon, fishermen targeting Atlantic big fish won’t be allowed to keep mobulid rays, like manta rays and devil rays, on their boats. They must safely release these rays if caught, following new handling rules to keep them safe. This change helps protect these cool sea creatures and follows an important international agreement from 2024.